Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: LEUPROLIDE - IMPLANT (LEW-pro-lide)

BRAND NAME(S): Viadur

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: Leuprolide is used to treat the symptoms of prostate cancer. It works be suppressing the hormone, testosterone, that helps the cancer grow. The medication is contained in a device that is implanted into your upper arm by your doctor and releases leuprolide gradually over time (1 year). Leuprolide implant is not a cure for prostate cancer.

HOW TO USE: Review the leuprolide implant Patient Information Leaflet. If you have any questions on the use of this product, consult your doctor. This medication device is surgically inserted under the skin of the upper arm by your doctor. The implant releases medication into your body slowly and continuously over 12 months. After 12 months, your doctor will surgically remove the old implant and may replace it with a new implant, if needed. Consult your doctor for details. It is very important to keep the bandage in place for several days until the surgical incision heals. Keep the incision clean and dry; avoid bathing and swimming for 24 hours after the procedure. Also, avoid any heavy lifting, bumping of the injection site, or physical activity for 48 hours after the procedure.

SIDE EFFECTS: Hot flashes/sweating, irritation at the implant site (e.g., bruising, burning, redness, itching, minor bleeding), headache, diarrhea, or a temporary increase in the symptoms of prostate cancer (e.g., bone pain, bladder pain, tingling/numbness in the legs, problems urinating) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Promptly tell your doctor if any of these side effects occur: breast pain, breast enlargement, hair loss, decreased sexual ability. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusual bleeding or pain, mental/mood changes, unusual weakness/fatigue, swelling, weight gain, trouble breathing, fever, paralysis. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: severe headache, vision changes, severe drowsiness, unusual or one-sided weakness. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.